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IGIMS probe finds staff, students guilty of exam irregularities; pitches for police investigation
An internal inquiry at IGIMS found a non-academic outsourced staff member and some students guilty of compromising the second professional MBBS (supplementary) exam. The findings led to cancellation of the exam, show-cause notices, staff reshuffles, and a recommendation for a police probe. The timeline also includes earlier allegations and leadership changes in the examination wing.
Why It Matters
The case highlights alleged exam irregularities in medical education and potential involvement of multiple stakeholders, prompting consideration of police involvement and stricter oversight.
Timeline
7 Events
IGIMS spokesperson clarifies ongoing enquiry; police probe recommended
April 28, 2026
IGIMS deputy director (administration) and spokesperson Dr Bibhuti Prassan Sinha says the enquiry is ongoing and action will be taken after its completion; details cannot be shared at that point. The report also notes that the institute has recommended a police probe to determine the scope of the misconduct.
IGIMS cancels second professional MBBS (supplementary) examination; show-cause notices issued; staff shuffled
April 27, 2026
Following the findings, IGIMS cancels the second professional MBBS (supplementary) examination, 2025. Show-cause notices are issued to all staff in the dean (examination) cell and to the students involved, with other staff in the examination cell shuffled. Three senior faculty members are assigned additional responsibilities as sub-deans (examination).
Inquiry findings submitted; alleged irregularities documented
April 25, 2026
The inquiry led by Dr Om Kumar submits its findings, noting substantial evidence of malpractice, including CCTV footage, discrepancies in answer sheets, and violations of examination protocols, and recommends a police probe to determine the case's magnitude and involve others.
Separate committee constituted to examine media reports
April 10, 2026
IGIMS forms a separate three-member committee to examine media reports following the allegations. The panel is headed by Dr Sanjay Kumar and includes Dr Gyan Bhaskar and Dr Avanish Kumar; this panel is created without disbanding the original inquiry.
Dr Neeru Goel takes charge as dean (examination)
April 2, 2026
Dr Neeru Goel takes charge as dean (examination) at IGIMS, succeeding Dr Prakash Kumar Dubey, who reportedly resigned within six weeks of his February 1 appointment.
Anonymous email alleges exam cheating at IGIMS
March 11, 2026
An anonymous email alleging cheating in the MBBS 2021 final-year examination at IGIMS is reported to have been sent to the director, dean, registrar, and MARB, claiming a racket involving outsourced examination staff and students suspected of changing answer sheets for money; the email suggested 40–50 students were involved and said the malpractice had persisted for years.
Dr Prakash Kumar Dubey appointed as dean (examination)
February 1, 2026
Dr Prakash Kumar Dubey is appointed as the dean (examination) at IGIMS, marking a leadership transition in the institute's examination wing. The article notes that he later resigned within six weeks of his appointment.